Endocardial lead removing apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving an endocardial lead implanted within a patient&#39;s body. Disposed generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. An adjustment mechanism moves the blade between retracted and extended positions to engage the cutting surface with the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead remains within an inner channel of the tubular member and the apparatus and cut portion of the lead are removed from within the patient. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cut portion of the lead is disposed externally to the tubular member, and the cut portion and the apparatus are removed from the patient, either separately or together. Various embodiments include the blade pivotally connected to the distal end of the tubular member and activated by a wire adjustment mechanism. Others include a metallic wire for slicing through the lead. Still others include a pneumatically actuated adjustment mechanism that inflates to move the blade and engage the cutting surface with the lead. Some others include a cutting edges disposed on an internal, movable cutting blade and on an opening in the side wall of the apparatus which cut the lead when the cutting blade is operated.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/190,550, filed Jul. 27, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an endocardial lead removing apparatus and, more particularly, to an apparatus that cuts the endocardial lead and, in some embodiments, captures the cut portion to remove the lead from the patient's body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, various types of endocardial leads and electrodes have been introduced into different chambers of a patient's heart, including among other locations, the right ventricle, right atrial appendage, and atrium, as well as the coronary sinus. These flexible leads are often composed of an insulator sleeve that contains an implanted helical coil conductor that is attached to an electrode tip. This electrode is placed in contact with myocardial tissue by passage through a venous access, often the subclavian vein or one of its tributaries, which leads to the endocardial surface of the heart chambers. The tip with the electrode contact is held in place by trabeculations of myocardial tissue. In some cases, active fixation leads are fastened by screw into the myocardial tissue.

The tips of many available leads often include flexible tines, wedges, or finger-like projections which extend radially outward and usually are molded from and integral with the insulating sheath of the lead. These tines or protrusions allow surrounding growth of tissue in chronically implanted leads to fix the electrode tip in position in the heart and prevent dislodgement of the tip during the life of the lead. In “acute placement” of the electrode or lead tip, a blood clot forms about the flanges or tines (due to enzymes released as a result of irritation of the trabeculations of myocardial tissue by the presence of the electrode tip) until scar tissue eventually forms, usually in three to six months. The tines or wedges or finger-like projections allow better containment by the myocardial trabeculations of muscle tissue and prevent early dislodgement of the lead tip.

Although the state of the art in implemented pulse generator or pacemaker technology and endocardial lead technology has advanced considerably, endocardial leads nevertheless occasionally fail, due to a variety of reasons, including breakage of a lead, insulation breaks, breakage of the inner helical coil conductor and an increase in electrode resistance. Furthermore, in some instances, it may be desirable to electronically stimulate different portions of the heart than are presently being stimulated with the leads already implanted. There are a considerable number of patients who have one or more, and sometimes as many as four or five, unused leads in their veins and heart.

Although it obviously would be desirable to easily remove such unused leads, in the past surgeons usually have avoided attempts to remove inoperative leads because the risk of removing them exceeded the risk of leaving them in. The risks of leaving unused myocardial leads in the heart and venous path include increased likelihood that an old lead may facilitate infection, which in turn may necessitate removal of the lead to prevent continued bacteremia and abcess formation. Furthermore, there is an increased likelihood of the formation of blood clots in the atrial chamber about entangled leads. Such clots may embolize to the lung and produce severe complications and even fatality. Furthermore, the presence of unused leads in the venous pathway and inside the heart can cause considerable difficulty in the positioning and attachment of new endocardial leads in or to the heart.

Removal of an inoperative lead sometimes can be accomplished by applying traction and rotation to the outer free end of the lead, but only if done prior to fixation of the lead tip in the trabeculations of myocardial tissue by scar tissue formation or large clot development. Even then, it is possible that a clot has formed so the removal of the leads causes various sized emboli to pass to the lungs, producing severe complications.

In cases where the lead tip has become attached by scar tissue to the myocardial wall, removal of the lead always has presented problems and risks. Porous lead tips that are sometimes used may have an in-growth of scar tissue attaching them to the myocardial wall. Sufficient traction on such leads in a removal attempt could cause disruption of the myocardial wall prior to release of the embedded lead tip. The tines or flanges of other types of leads that are not tightly scarred to the myocardial wall present similar risks. Even if screw-in tip electrodes are used, wherein the tips theoretically can be unscrewed from the myocardial wall, unscrewing of such tips may be prevented by a channel of scar tissue and endothelium that surrounds the outer surface of the lead along the venous pathway. Such “channel scar” tissue prevents withdrawal because of tight encasement of the lead. Continual strong pulling or twisting of the outer free end of the lead could cause rupture of the atrial wall or the ventricular wall if there is such tight circumferential encasement of adherent channel scar tissue in the venous path. Such tight encasement by scar tissue in the venous pathway and in the trabeculations of the myocardial wall typically occurs within six months to a year of the initial placement of the lead.

The risks of removing the lead by such traction and rotation of the lead may be high enough so that, if it becomes imperative that the lead be removed (as in the case of infection), many surgeons have elected to open the patient's chest and surgically remove the lead rather than attempt removal by applying traction and rotation thereto.

Clearly, there is a need for an apparatus for extracting endocardial leads from a patient's body with minimized risk to the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address these and other drawbacks in the existing art, the present invention comprises an apparatus for grasping a free end of an endocardial lead and cutting the lead as near as possible to the lead's embedded electrode. Once the lead is severed, a majority of the lead is removed thereby, leaving just a small distal portion of the lead within the patient.

Specifically, the present invention comprises an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving the lead. Positioned generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism actuates the blade between extended and retracted positions to engage the cutting surface with the lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead is disposed within the tubular member and the apparatus is removed from within the patient. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cut portion of the lead is disposed externally to the tubular member, and the cut portion and the apparatus are removed from the patient, either separately or together.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the drawings and the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an endocardial lead removing apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a distal end of an inner tubular member of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a distal end of an outer tubular member of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the distal end of the inner tubular member of the first embodiment of the present invention having an angled cutting surface;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the distal end of the outer tubular member of the first embodiment of the present invention having an angled cutting surface;

FIG. 3C illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention having a T-shaped cutting channel;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a tubular member of an endocardial lead removing apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of an embodiment including an insert and adjustment mechanism;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a perspective view of an endocardial lead removing apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of one embodiment, without limitation;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of an embodiment having only one blade;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an endocardial lead removing apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a perspective end view of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of one embodiment having teeth retracted and extended, respectively;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an endocardial lead removing apparatus of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective end view of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of the fifth embodiment including a blade and adjustment mechanism.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate side cutaway perspectives of the endocardial lead removing apparatus of a sixth embodiment including movable and fixed cutting blades disposed at the distal end of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-14, various embodiments of an endocardial lead removing apparatus are generally referred to at 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the invention comprises an apparatus 10 that includes an outer tubular member 12 and an inner tubular member 14. Each tubular member 12, 14 includes an inner cavity 16. The inner tubular member 14 is received within the inner cavity 16 of the outer tubular member 12. Both of the members 12, 14 have distal ends 18 and proximal ends 20 with the proximal ends 20 of each member 12, 14 having a handle 22. As shown, the outer tubular member 12 has a generally shorter length than the inner tubular member 14 and the handles 22 generally abut at the proximal ends 20. Further, the members 12, 14 are contemplated to be made of a metallic material such as hardened stainless steel; however other materials, such as rigid plastic, are also contemplated by the present invention.

Generally disposed at the distal ends 18 of the outer member 12 and the inner member 14 are first and second channels 24, 26, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, without limitation, the channels 24, 26 are generally L-shaped each having a longitudinal leg 28 and a lateral leg 30. The lateral legs 30 of each channel 24, 26 are generally orthogonal to the longitudinal legs 28. When assembled and having the inner tubular member 14 received in the inner cavity 16 of the outer tubular member 12, the first and second channels 24, 26 are opposed. As such, the lateral legs 30 of each channel 24, 26 align and extend orthogonally from the longitudinal legs 28 in opposite directions. Further, each of the channels 24, 26 includes at least one cutting surface 32. In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention also comprises an inner tubular member 14 disposed in an outer tubular member 12 each with a T-shaped channel that forms a double blade with one or more cutting surfaces 32 on each member (FIG. 3C).

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, the distal ends 18 of the inner and outer tubular members 12, 14 are illustrated. The channels 24, 26 are bounded by a plurality of edges 34. Specifically, the lateral legs 30 of each channel 24, 26 are bounded by three edges 34 a, 34 b and 34 c. At least one of the three edges 34 a-c is the cutting surface 32 described above. As contemplated for the illustrated embodiment, the cutting surface 32 is edge 34 b. Alternatively, the present embodiment could include multiple cutting surfaces 32 such as each of the three edges 34 a-c. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, the edge 34 b may be generally angled to improve cutting efficiency of the apparatus 10.

In operation, the first embodiment of apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-3 is inserted within a patient's chest cavity, blood vessel, or other anatomical part containing a lead (not shown) and receives a lead 100 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) within the inner cavity 16 of the inner tubular member 14. Once the distal ends 18 of the apparatus 10 are positioned as near as possible to the embedded electrode (not shown) within the patient's body the lead 100 is received within the channels 24, 26. Each of the tubular members 12, 14 are independently rotatable and when rotated in opposite directions the lead 100 is captured between the cutting surfaces 32 of each channel 24, 26. Additional torque applied to the handles 22 and further rotation of the members 12, 14 cuts through the lead 100. The severed portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 16 of the inner tubular member 14 and the apparatus 10 is removed from the patient's body.

Another embodiment of the apparatus 10 is shown in FIGS. 4-5. The embodiment includes a tubular member 212 having a distal end 218 and a proximal end 220. The tubular member 212 is generally flexible and made from a polymer material. Further, the tubular member 212 may include reinforcements such as a braid or compressed coil (not shown) to strengthen the tubular member 212 and resist compression during operation.

Disposed within an inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212 is a metallic wire 236. In some embodiments, without limitation, a filament or strong cord, optionally diamond-coated, or other element suitable for cutting, may be substituted for the metallic wire. The metallic wire 236 has opposite ends 238 extending from the proximal end 220 of the tubular member 212. Optionally, the opposite ends 238 of the metallic wire 236 include handles 222. The metallic wire 236 extends through the inner cavity 216 and outwardly at the distal end 218 thereby forming a loop 240. It is contemplated that the metallic wire 236 is made from stainless steel or nickel titanium and has a diameter of about 0.005 inches to about 0.030 inches; however, other materials and diameters are also contemplated by the present invention.

Also disposed within the inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212 is at least one lumen 242 for receiving the metallic wire 236. The lumen could be a second polymer lumen, even include a lubricious sleeve (such as polytetrafluoroethelene (PTFE) or FEP). The lumen 242 may be made from a flexible material such as nickel titanium, although other materials are also contemplated. The lumen 242 is disposed at one side of the inner cavity 216. The lumen 242 extends the length of the tubular member 212 and when only one lumen 242 is contemplated the opposite ends 238 of the metallic wire 236 are both disposed therein. Alternatively, two lumen 242, one for each opposite end 238 of the metallic wire 236, may be positioned adjacent to each other at one side of the inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212.

In some embodiments, the invention also comprises an adjustment mechanism 246 (FIG. 5). The adjustment mechanism 246 moves the opposite ends 238 of the metallic wire 236 to reduce or expand the size of the loop 240. As shown, the adjustment mechanism 246 includes a rotatable pin 248 disposed within the inner cavity 216 at one side, optionally within a catheter 242. One of the opposite ends 238 of the metallic wire 236 is fixed to the rotatable pin 248. The second of the opposite ends 238 is fixed to a tension mechanism 250 such as a spring and the like. A handle 222 is disposed at a proximal end 220 to rotate the rotatable pin 248 and wind the metallic wire 236 thereabout.

In operation, the apparatus 10 of FIG. 4 includes the metallic wire 236 extending at the distal end 218 of the tubular member 212 to form the loop 240. The apparatus 10 is inserted within a patient and positioned near the lead 100. The free end of the lead 100 is received within the inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212 and extends outwardly at the distal end 218 and through the loop 240. The opposite ends 238 of the metallic wire 236 are moveable to reduce the size of the loop 240. When the metallic wire 236 is disposed in a single lumen 242 or two adjacent lumen 242, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the opposite ends 238 are simply pulled through the tubular member 212 and the loop 240 is reduced in size. Accordingly the metallic wire 236 of the loop 240 slices through the lead 100. The severed portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212 and the apparatus is removed from the patient.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, two separate lumens 242 are employed and the adjustment mechanism 246 is utilized. One lumen is preferably adjacent or nearly so. As described above, the lead 100 is received in the inner cavity 216 and extends outwardly at the distal end 218 and through the loop 240. The adjustment mechanism 246 is actuated by rotating the rotatable pin 248, preferably using handle 220. Accordingly, one of the opposite ends 238 is wound around the rotatable pin 248 and the size of the loop 240 is reduced. The lead 100 is captured between the insert 244 and the loop 240. The cutting surface 232 of the insert 244 and the metallic wire 236 of the loop 240 slice through the lead 100. The severed portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 216 of the tubular member 212 and the apparatus 10 is removed from the patient.

Now referring to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is illustrated. Again the apparatus 10 includes a tubular member 312 having a distal end 318 and a proximal end 320. The tubular member 312 is preferably a metal coil shaft to allow for flexibility while resisting compression during operations. However, any material is contemplated by the present invention.

At least one blade 352 is pivotally connected to the distal end 318 of the tubular member 312. As seen in FIGS. 6A-6C, two blades 352 are pivotally connected at the distal end 318 by a pivot pin 354. Each of the blades 352 is generally arcuate to define a cutting surface 332. Further, the blades 352 are moveable between a retracted position (FIG. 6A) and an extended position (FIGS. 6B-6C).

As an alternate configuration, seen in FIGS. 8A-8C, the apparatus 10 includes only one blade 352. Again, the blade 352 is pivotally connected at the distal end 318 by the pivot pin 354. The blade 352 is generally arcuate to define an inner cutting surface 332. The distal end 318 of the tubular member 312 is generally angled and defines a second cutting surface 332. The blade 352 is moveable between the retracted position (FIG. 8A) and the extended position (FIGS. 8B-8C).

The apparatus 10 of another embodiment further includes an adjustment mechanism 346. The adjustment mechanism 246 pivots the blade(s) 352 between the retracted and extended positions. By way of example, the adjustment mechanism 346 may include an outer sheath (not shown) that receives the tubular member 312 and is moveable longitudinally along the tubular member 312. A distal end of the outer sheath generally aligns with the distal end 318 of the tubular member 312 and engages the blade(s) 352. Continued longitudinal movement of the outer sheath urges the blades(s) 352 about the pivot pin 354 to pivot from the retracted to the extended position.

As a further example and illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the adjustment mechanism 346 includes a pull wire 356. The pull wire 356 is attached to the blade(s) 352 and extends within an inner cavity 316 of the tubular member 312. A proximal end of the pull wire 356 is preferably joined to a handle 322.

In operation, the embodiment of apparatus 10 of FIGS. 6-8 is inserted within a patient's heart or other anatomical part containing a lead and receives the lead 100 within the inner cavity 316 of the tubular member 312. Once the distal end 318 of the apparatus 10 is positioned as near as possible to the embedded electrode tip within the patient's body the adjustment mechanism 346 is actuated. As shown, tension is applied to the pull wire 356, preferably at the handle 322, and the blade(s) 352 pivot about the pivot pin 354. The lead 100 is captured between the cutting surfaces 332 of the two blades 352 (FIGS. 6A-6C). Alternately, the lead 100 is captured between the cutting surface 332 of the one blade 352 and the cutting surface 332 of the distal end 318 of the tubular member 312 (FIGS. 8A-8C). Additional tension is applied to the pull wire 356 and the cutting surfaces 332 cut through the lead 100. The severed portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 316 of the tubular member 312 and the apparatus 10 is removed from the patient's body.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, another embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus 10 includes a tubular member 412 having a distal end 418 and a proximal end 420. The tubular member 412 defines a longitudinal axis A-A and an inner cavity 416. The tubular member 412 is generally flexible and is preferably made from a plastic or polymer material. However, any material is contemplated by the present invention.

At least one tooth 458 is generally positioned at the distal end 418 of the tubular member 412 within the inner cavity 416. The tubular member 412 includes a tubular wall 460 defining the inner cavity 416. The tooth 458 connects to the tubular wall 460. The at least one tooth 458 includes a plurality of edges 462 and at least one of the edges 462 is a cutting surface 432. As illustrated, this embodiment of the apparatus 10 comprises four teeth 458. However, the present invention contemplates a plurality of teeth 458 or even only one tooth 458. As shown the four teeth 458 of the illustrated embodiment are generally triangular; however, the present invention also contemplates asymmetrically shaped teeth 458.

The teeth 458 of this embodiment are moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position, as shown in FIG. 10A, positions the teeth 458 generally parallel to the tubular wall 460 of the tubular member 412. In contrast, the extended position, as shown in FIG. 10B, positions the teeth 458 generally orthogonal to the tubular wall 460 of the tubular member 412. Accordingly, when the teeth 458 are in the extended position the tubular member 412 has a reduced inner diameter.

A hinge mechanism 464 connects the teeth 458 to the tubular wall 460 of the tubular member 412. The hinge mechanism 464 adjusts the teeth 458 between the retracted position and the extended position to place the cutting surfaces 432 of the teeth 458 in contact with the lead 100. Optionally, the apparatus 10 may include an actuator (not shown) for adjusting the teeth 458 between the positions. Otherwise, the movement of the teeth 458 between the positions is manually actuated by a handle 422 at the proximal end 420 of the tubular member 412.

In operation, this embodiment of apparatus 10 is inserted within a patient's heart or other anatomical part containing a lead and positioned near the embedded electrode tip. The free end of the lead 100 is received within the inner cavity 416 of the tubular member 412. As the tubular member 412 is extended over the lead 100, the teeth 458 are in the retracted position and generally parallel to the tubular wall 460. Once the distal end 418 of the tubular member 412 is positioned as near as possible to the embedded electrode tip, the tubular member 412 is retracted. Extension and retraction of the tubular member 412 is facilitated by the handle 422 at the proximal end 420. When the tubular member 412 is retracted, contact between the cutting surface 432 and the lead 100 urges the teeth 458 to the extended position generally orthogonal to the tubular wall 460. Accordingly, the lead 100 is captured by the teeth 458 in the reduced diameter of the tubular member. Continued extension and retraction of the tubular member 412 over the lead 100 moves the teeth 458 between the retracted and extended positions. The cutting surfaces 432 repetitively contact the lead 100 and cut through. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 416 of the tubular member 412 and the apparatus 10 is removed from the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, a fifth embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus 10 includes a tubular member 512 defining a tubular wall 560 and a longitudinal axis A-A. The tubular member 512 is generally flexible and made from a plastic or polymer material; however, any material is contemplated by the present invention. The tubular member 512 and tubular wall 560 define an inner cavity 516. The inner cavity 516 is generally offset from the longitudinal axis A-A of the tubular member 512 in order to accommodate a blade 552 and adjustment mechanism 546 within the tubular wall 560.

The apparatus 10 includes the blade 552 disposed within the tubular wall 560 of the tubular member 512. The blade 552, by way of the adjustment mechanism 546, is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. Further, the blade 552 includes a generally arcuate cutting surface 532.

The adjustment mechanism 546 of the fifth embodiment is pneumatically actuated. As seen in FIG. 12, the adjustment mechanism 546 includes an inflatable device 566, such as a balloon and the like. The inflatable device 566 is disposed within the tubular wall 560 and placed adjacent the blade 552 at an end opposite the cutting surface 532. Expansion and retraction of the inflatable device 566 expands or retracts the cutting surface 532 of the blade 552 into the inner cavity 516 of the tubular member.

Further, the adjustment mechanism 546 includes a guide comprising of two projecting arms 568 and a track 570. The guide facilitates movement of the blade 552 between the retracted and extended positions to insert the cutting surface 532 into the inner cavity 516. The blade 552 is adapted to receive first ends 572 of each of the projecting arms 568. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the blade includes a notch 574. Received within the notch 574 are the first ends 572 of the projecting arms 568. Accordingly, the projection arms 568 are generally parallel to the cutting surface 532 of the blade 552. The projecting arms 568 slide within the notch 574. Second ends 576 of the projecting arms 568 are received within the track 570. The track 570 is disposed within the tubular wall 560 and extends circumferentially about the tubular member 512.

In operation, the fifth embodiment of apparatus 10 of FIGS. 11-12 is inserted within a patient's heart or other anatomical part containing a lead and positioned as near as possible to the electrode tip embedded within the body. The free end of the lead 100 is received within the inner cavity 516 of the tubular member 512. Air is supplied through a catheter (not shown) to the inflatable device 566 or balloon. The inflatable device 566 expands thereby urging the blade 552 from the retracted position to the expanded position and inserting the cutting surface 532 of the blade 552 into the inner cavity 516. Further, as the blade 552 moves from the retracted position to the expanded position the second ends 576 of the projecting arms 568 move along the track 570 sliding within the notch 574 as appropriate, to accommodate the varying width of the inner cavity 516. The cutting surface 532 of the blade 552 cuts through the lead 100. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead 100 remains within the inner cavity 516 and the apparatus 10 is removed from the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 13-14, a sixth embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus 10 includes a tubular member 612 defining a tubular wall 660. The tubular member 612 is generally flexible and made from a plastic or polymer material; however, any material is contemplated by the present invention. The tubular member 612 and tubular wall 660 define an inner cavity 616.

The distal end 618 of the tubular member 612 tapers outwardly to an increased diameter portion 620 and is configured to include a cutting blade 622. The cutting blade 622 is cylindrical in shape with a lumen 623 configured to accept an endocardial lead 626 or other object for cutting. The cutting blade is movably disposed within the inner cavity 616 of the tubular member 612. The proximal end of the cutting blade has a diameter greater than the smallest diameter of the taper so that, in operation, the taper limits the longitudinal travel of the cutting blade 622 in the proximal direction. The distal end of the tubular member 612 is formed to retain the cutting blade within the inner cavity 616, as one example only and without limitation, by an inwardly turned ridge 624 at the distal end 618.

The tubular wall 612 of the increased diameter portion 620 has an opening 624 that permits exchange between the inner cavity 616 and the space exterior to the apparatus. The opening 624 is configured to receive an endocardial lead 626 or other object for cutting. The opening 624 may be any suitable size or shape, although a round or oval shape is preferred. In some preferred embodiments, without limitation, the opening is about 0.200″-0.250″ from the distal end and is configured to be large enough to accept leads between from about 0.070″ to about 0.170″ in diameter.

In preferred embodiments, the apparatus is comprised of at least one cutting edge, although it may also have at least two such edges. Thus, in some embodiments, the most proximal inner surface of the opening may optionally be comprised of a cutting edge 628. Optionally the cutting edge may be beveled.

The cutting blade 622 is operably attached to a pull wire 630 that extends longitudinally within the inner cavity of the apparatus to at least the proximal end of the tubular member. The pull wire 630 is fixedly attached to the cutting blade 622 by soldering or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The proximal edge of the cutting blade 622 may optionally be comprised of a cutting edge 632. Optionally the cutting edge may be beveled.

In operation, the sixth embodiment of apparatus 10 of FIGS. 13-14 is threaded over the most proximal end of the lead 626 by inserting the lead within the open distal end of the tubular member 612 and through the opening 624 in the side wall of the increased diameter portion 620 of the apparatus. The apparatus may then be further inserted within the patient by advancing the apparatus over the lead to the desired location for severing the lead. Once the desired location is reached, the pull wire 630 is activated by pulling it longitudinally in the proximal direction. As the pull wire is activated, the cutting blade 622 connected to the pull wire is also moved in the proximal direction. As the cutting blade moves proximally, it contacts the lead near a point where the lead exits the opening 624 in the side wall of the tubular member. As the cutting blade moves proximally, it also forces an opposing side of the lead 626 into contact with the proximal cutting edge 628 disposed on the inner surface of the opening 624 in the side wall. Continued activation of the pull wire causes the cutting edge 628 of the opening 624 and the second cutting edge 632 of the cutting blade 622 to cut through the lead. The tapered shoulder at the proximal end of the increased diameter portion 620 limits the proximal movement of the cutting blade 622 as the pull wire 630 is activated. Once severed, the proximal portion of the lead and the apparatus are removed from the patient, either separately or together.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred and alternative embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be present in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combination that may be claimed in this or a later application. Where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element of the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 

1. An endocardial lead removing apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising: a tubular member defining a tubular wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a longitudinal axis and having an increased diameter portion at its distal end, wherein the distal end of the tubular member defines an opening that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the opening; an inner cavity disposed within the tubular member for receiving the lead after passing through the opening in the distal end of the tubular member; a cutting blade having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cutting blade is both entirely housed and movably disposed within the inner cavity of the increased diameter portion, the cutting blade having a lumen configured to receive the lead, wherein the cutting blade defines a through hole proximal to the distal end that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the through hole; a pull wire fixedly attached to the cutting blade and extending longitudinally to at least the proximal end of the tubular member, an opening disposed within the tubular wall of the increased diameter portion, said opening configured to receive the lead after passing through the through hole of the cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade is positioned adjacent the inner surface and completely moves across and covers the opening when the pull wire is activated, and wherein at least one of the proximal end of the cutting blade and a proximal edge of the opening of the tubular wall comprises a cutting edge that cuts the lead disposed within the inner cavity and the opening when the pull wire is activated.
 2. The endocardial lead removing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the cutting blade and the proximal edge of the opening each comprise a cutting edge.
 3. The endocardial lead removing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cutting blade is cylindrical in geometry and wherein the lumen extends longitudinally through the cutting blade and terminates at the through hole.
 4. An endocardial lead removing apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising: a tubular member defining a tubular wall and a longitudinal axis and having an increased diameter portion at its distal end, wherein the distal end of the tubular member defines an opening that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the opening; an inner cavity disposed within the tubular member for receiving the lead; a cutting blade movably disposed within the inner cavity of the increased diameter portion, the cutting blade having a lumen configured to receive the lead, wherein the cutting blade is cylindrical in geometry and has an open distal end and an open proximal end such that at the lead can pass entirely through the cutting blade; a pull wire fixedly attached to the cutting blade and extending longitudinally to at least the proximal end of the tubular member, an opening disposed within the tubular wall of the increased diameter portion such that the opening is entirely circumscribed by the tubular wall, said opening configured to receive the lead after passing through the lumen of the cutting blade; wherein at least one of the proximal end of the cutting blade and a proximal edge of the opening comprises a cutting edge that cuts the lead disposed within the inner cavity and the opening when the pull wire is activated.
 5. An endocardial lead removing apparatus for cutting a lead implanted within a patient, said apparatus comprising: a tubular member defining a tubular wall and a longitudinal axis and having an increased diameter portion at its distal end, wherein the distal end of the tubular member defines an opening that is sized to permit the lead to pass through the opening; an inner cavity disposed within the tubular member for receiving the lead; a cutting blade movably disposed within the inner cavity of the increased diameter portion; a pull wire fixedly attached to the cutting blade and extending longitudinally to at least the proximal end of the tubular member, an opening disposed within the tubular wall of the increased diameter portion, said opening proximal to the distal end and configured to receive the lead after the lead passes through the opening at the distal end of the tubular member; wherein at least one of a proximal edge of the cutting blade and a proximal edge of the opening comprises a cutting edge that cuts the lead disposed within the inner cavity and the opening when the pull wire is activated.
 6. The apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the opening is entirely circumscribed by the tubular wall.
 7. The apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the cutting blade is cylindrical in geometry with two open ends and a lumen extending between the two open ends and wherein the lumen extends longitudinally through the cutting blade. 